Honda Electric, Hybrid, & Fuel Cell Scooters

Honda aims to show us how hybrid, battery electric, and fuel cell technology can have applications extending beyond our favorite four-wheel rides with a trio of scooter prototypes. Its 50cc hybrid scooter operates in series hybrid mode when power demands are low, allowing the engine to produce electricity for powering the scooter’s electric motor. It runs in parallel mode with the electric motor assisting the engine during times of acceleration and high power demand. A nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery resides beneath the front cowl, adding 22 pounds to Honda’s standard sized 50cc scooter.

The Moped-EV, Honda’s entirely electric-powered scooter, is the most likely candidate for production of the three models. It features a compact aluminum frame weighing less than 100 pounds, NiMH batteries, an electric motor and controller integrated in the scooter’s rear swing arm, and a thumb lever control in lieu of a traditional grip throttle.

The power unit in Honda’s fuel cell scooter shown above is derived from the company’s FC stack, in use in the FCX passenger vehicle but redesigned in this application to be smaller and lighter. Based on a 125cc scooter, the electric drive system is placed on the swing arm and the fuel cell is centrally-mounted in place of the gasoline engine. Honda will continue developing the scooter to reduce size and weight, with the aim of providing range and storage space comparable to conventional vehicles in its class.